Dentists

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will show, for the year 1979 and for the most recent year available (i) the total number of dentists employed by, or under contract to, the National Health Service, (ii) the average income of a dentist under contract to the National Health Service, both in money and real terms and (iii) the total cost to the National Health Service of dentistry in money and real terms.

* To reduce duplication, these figures exclude hospital practitioners, part-time hospital dental officers, occasional sessional staff in the community dental service and locum appointments. Figures relate to 30 September in each year.

Average gross income of a dentist under contract to the NHS*

£

1979–80 cash

28,374

1979–80†

41,165

1983–84 cash

43,187

* Gross income includes reimbursement of average practice expenses. Figures are for England and Wales and exclude the earnings of dentists who did not work for the whole year and a small number in other groups.

† At 1983–84 prices.

Cost to the NHS of dentistry*net of income from General Dental Service patients' charges

£ million

1979–80 cash

314.139

1979–80†

455.753

1983–84 cash

506.946

* Excluding the costs of the Dental Estimates Board and family practitioner committees, the costs of dental staff employed by health authorities on administrative duties and, for the hospital and community services, current expenditure on accommodation, heating, lighting and support services generally and all capital expenditure.